“My ability to reach the young people out here today is directly related to my past troubles,” Gilmore says. “They listen to me because they know I lived that life. I don’t judge them. And Because I lived that life and I overcame it, they know they can do it, too.”

While incarcerated in state prison, Gilmore decided to make a change in his life. Instead of falling further into the trap, he spent his time working to rehabilitate his life. He took advantage of the opportunities inside the institution and enrolled himself in college courses; taking up trades, and participating in enrichment programs. By the time he was eligible for release into a halfway house, he enrolled in college courses at Rutgers University via the Mountainview program.

Always one who desired to serve,

Frank appointed himself as the GED coach for his fellow halfway house residents, helping many of them, struggling in academics, to better themselves through higher education, just as he was. Despite a personal setback that forced him to leave Rutgers, Frank — never willing to surrender — enrolled at Hudson County Community College, and finished with an associate’s degree in Business Administration in just eighteen months. Upon graduating from HCCC, Frank re-enrolled at Rutgers University and received his bachelor’s degree in Communications and Entrepreneurship.

With his education now complete, Frank turned his sights to doing something positive in his community. In 2011, he formed the F.E.D.D.I.E. Foundation (Fortitude for Every Disadvantage Demographic Investing in Excellence), a nonprofit aimed at improving children’s health, literacy, and education through mentoring. He also founded Educational Gilmore Speaks LLC, in 2013, which offers one-on-one mentoring via Y.E.L.P (Youth Enrichment Learning Program).

Frank E. Gilmore has since become highly sought after for speaking engagements around the country, using his own life experience as a deterrent for other youth at-risk of making the same mistakes he made in his early life.

Today, Frank E. Gilmore continues his community advocacy,

Teaching the value of education through the Educational Gilmore Community Learning Center located in the same building he once sold drugs in front of. He has become instrumental in promoting conflict resolution and peace among many of the young brothers belonging to various youth street organizations often referred to as gangs. His efforts in this regard have garnered attention from local and national news, including two appearances on the famed Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he was featured along with renowned actor and producer, Michael B. Jordan, who personally visited Frank and the children he mentors at his community center in 2019.

Gilmore’s commitment and dedication make him a prime candidate for meaningful change in Jersey City.

His unapologetic love for his community and willingness to speak truth to power, regardless of circumstances or consequences, is unlike anything seen in the city’s political landscape since the late, great, Mayor and State Senator, Glenn D. Cunningham. Gilmore’s vision for Jersey City is one that is inclusive of all its residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or economic status. Gilmore is a staunch opponent of the current, pay-to-play political environment in Jersey City and is someone residents can count on to be an honest and a true advocate for the people, willing to take on the issues that matter most, be it the struggle for equal justice, police brutality, food insecurity, and health and public safety issues.